NFL Analysis
1/7/25
15 min read
2024 NFL Week 18 Power Rankings: Where Do Playoff Teams Rank?
The 2024 NFL regular season has come to an end, and it was quite a wild ride. But what’s fascinating about this year is that there hasn’t been much change in the top of our power rankings.
Most of the elite teams back in Week 1 stayed inside the top five, and there were very few surprises from earlier in the season. But who are the best teams going into the playoffs? And which teams have a lot of work to do this offseason? Here are our final power rankings from the 2024 regular season:
NFL Week 18 Power Rankings
1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) 
Previous Ranking: 1 
The Kansas City Chiefs rested just about everyone in Week 18, and it resulted in a blowout loss to Denver. But the most important thing is that Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones got another week to rest going into the playoffs.
The Chiefs won’t play until Round 2, but they should be the league’s most rested team going into the playoffs.
Next Week: Bye
2. Detroit Lions (15-2)
Previous Ranking: 2
The Detroit Lions took care of business at home and secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Their defense rose to the challenge, and they played their best game of the season against the Vikings.
If their defense can play anywhere near that level in the postseason, it’s hard to imagine anyone going into Detroit and beating them.
Next Week: Bye
3. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
Previous Ranking: 3
Even the Philadelphia Eagles' third-stringers proved too much for the Giants. Once again, the Eagles were dominant on defense and the offense enough to win the game.
The Eagles will have a tough road to the Super Bowl, but they might have the most talented roster in the league. Most of the players on that team have played in big playoff games before. Anything but an NFC Championship Game appearance would be a massive disappointment for Philadelphia.
Next Week: Sunday, Jan. 12 vs. Packers
4. Buffalo Bills (13-4)
Previous Ranking: 5 
The Buffalo Bills rested everyone in Week 18, and that makes sense, considering how banged up they were on defense for most of the season. The Bills are the No. 2 seed in the AFC and have a real chance to run the table this year.
They will need the defense to really step up in the postseason, but this might be their best chance of making the Super Bowl in the Josh Allen era.
Next Week: Sunday, Jan. 12 vs. Broncos
5. Minnesota Vikings (14-3)
Previous Ranking: 4 
The Minnesota Vikings just needed one win to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC, but their offense just didn’t have it on Sunday night.
Minnesota is still a good team and very well could see the Lions in Round 2. Don’t be too discouraged after a tough road loss in Week 18.
Next Week: Monday, Jan. 13 vs. Rams
6. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
Previous Ranking: 6
The Baltimore Ravens won the AFC North for the second straight season and did so by winning four straight games to end the season. However, they will likely need to win in the playoffs without Zay Flowers, who suffered a knee injury against the Browns.
Baltimore has enough weapons on offense to overcome it, but it certainly won’t be easy.
Next Week: Saturday, Jan. 11 vs. Steelers
7. Washington Commanders (12-5)
Previous Ranking: 8
The Washington Commanders' offense really struggled against Dallas in Week 18, but Marcus Mariota saved the day in the second half and scored three touchdowns. It’s hard to say how seriously Washington took that game, but Jayden Daniels did not play well at all in the first half.
The Commanders did finish the 2024 season with 12 wins, which is quite an accomplishment for Dan Quinn. But we’ll see just how good they are in Round 1 when they travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers.
Next Week: Sunday, Jan. 12 vs. Buccaneers
8. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
Previous Ranking: 9
The Los Angeles Chargers won their final three games of the season to earn the No. 5 seed in the AFC. It was quite the season for Jim Harbaugh as he turned the Chargers into legit contenders.
They have scored 34 or more points in three straight games and have one of the best defenses in the league. If you are looking for a wild-card team in the AFC that could run the table, look no further than the Chargers.
Next Week: Saturday, Jan. 11 vs. Texans
9. Green Bay Packers (11-6)
Previous Ranking: 7
The Green Bay Packers tried to get a win against Chicago in Week 18 but couldn’t get it done. The offense was out of sync for most of the game and lost Christian Watson to a knee injury.
The Packers have been a good team all year, but their inability to beat high-level teams is a concern going into the postseason. And with a matchup set against the Eagles, they are certainly going to be tested right away.
Next Week: Sunday, Jan. 12 vs. Eagles
10. Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Previous Ranking: 10
The Los Angeles Rams rested just about everyone in Week 18, and it makes sense that their bye week came in Week 6. This was a roster running on fumes, and they decided rest and health were more important than the No. 3 seed.
That means they’ll face the 14-3 Vikings in Round 1, but they already beat them once this year. Can Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford pull off another incredible Super Bowl run? It’s going to be difficult, but don’t count them out.
Next Week: Monday, Jan. 13 vs. Vikings
11. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
Previous Ranking: 13
The Cincinnati Bengals won their final four games of the regular season and finished the year strong. They narrowly missed the playoffs and just needed one more result to go their way.
The good news is that Joe Burrow will enter the offseason healthy for the first time in years, and he’s putting pressure on ownership to bring back Tee Higgins. The Bengals aren’t that far away from competing for a Super Bowl, and one strong offseason will get them back into contention.
Next Week: N/A
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
Previous Ranking: 14
It wasn’t always pretty, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched the NFC South once again, and Baker Mayfield played the best football of his career.
The offense is humming right now, but the defense could be the reason why they are one-and-done in the postseason. Todd Bowles will need to get that unit fixed quickly, or they will waste a great season by Mayfield.
Next Week: Sunday, Jan. 12 vs. Commanders
13. Denver Broncos (10-7)
Previous Ranking: 15
The Denver Broncos were dominant on Sunday, clinching the No. 7 seed in the AFC. Bo Nix played the best game of his career, completing his first 17 passes.
With an improving quarterback and a strong defense, the Broncos have the makings of a team that could upset the Bills in Round 1. And for such a young team, a playoff berth in Year 2 under Sean Payton has to feel good.
Next Week: Sunday, Jan. 12 vs. Bills
14. Houston Texans (10-7)
Previous Ranking: 16
The Houston Texans have won the AFC South for the second straight season and will host a Round 1 playoff game. Houston certainly didn’t take the steps forward that it was hoping to in the regular season, but it is in the tournament with a home game.
Can C.J. Stroud bounce back and get back to his rookie form? We’ll see, but don’t expect much with Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs out with significant knee injuries.
Next Week: Saturday, Jan. 11 vs. Chargers
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
Previous Ranking: 11
The Pittsburgh Steelers have now lost four straight games heading into the postseason, and their offense has yet to score more than 17 points in a single contest during that stretch.
The Steelers have no momentum going into the postseason, but they still have enough talent on defense to pull out a win or two. But it’s certainly hard to trust them moving forward.
Next Week: Saturday, Jan. 11 vs. Ravens
16. Seattle Seahawks (10-7)
Previous Ranking: 12
The Seattle Seahawks had a good year under Mike Macdonald, but it just wasn’t enough in the NFC. They fell short in some divisional games, and that’s why they aren’t in the postseason.
However, fans should be encouraged by their defensive improvement and the development of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. They didn’t accomplish their goal of making the postseason, but a double-digit win season is nothing to be ashamed of.
Next Week: N/A
17. Miami Dolphins (8-9)
Previous Ranking: 17
The Miami Dolphins probably would have been a playoff team if Tua Tagovailoa had played 15 or more games, but he didn’t, and that’s why they will be watching the postseason at home in Round 1.
Tagovailoa was really good when he was on the field, but his injury history is scary enough that the Dolphins might want to rethink their strategy at quarterback. We know Mike McDaniel will be back in 2025, but this team might need to change things up going into Year 4.
Next Week: N/A
18. Arizona Cardinals (8-9)
Previous Ranking: 18
The Arizona Cardinals improved in Year 2 under Jonathan Gannon, but they still were unable to make the playoffs and finished third in the NFC West. Kyler Murray played some of the best football of his career, but his week-to-week inconsistencies make it hard to trust him fully.
This offseason will be about building the Cardinals' defense, and if they can accomplish that, there is no reason why they can’t contend for the division next year.
Next Week: N/A
19. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
Previous Ranking: 19
The Atlanta Falcons had control of the NFC South going into Week 17, but they lost their final two games, both in overtime. Michael Penix Jr. did bring some juice to the offense, and it’s fair to wonder how different the season might have been if he had been named the starter earlier.
The good news is that Atlanta should feel pretty good about their future moving forward with Penix and the rest of their stars on offense.
Next Week: N/A
20. Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
Previous Ranking: 21
The Indianapolis Colts beat the Jaguars in Week 18, and it took overtime to do so. Immediately after the game, Jim Irsay released a statement saying that Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen would return in 2025.
They are running it back next year despite another weird season. Will Anthony Richardson be the quarterback next year? Who knows, but the Colts' playoff drought will continue until they get the quarterback position right.
Next Week: N/A
21. Dallas Cowboys (7-10)
Previous Ranking: 20
After three straight 12-win seasons, the Dallas Cowboys finished the 2024 season at 7-10. Injuries derailed their season, but their slow start contributed to their poor record.
The biggest question for Dallas is what will happen with Mike McCarthy, whose contract expires this week. Will he return, and can he get Dallas back in the playoffs? Time will tell.
Next Week: N/A
22. San Francisco 49ers (6-11)
Previous Ranking: 22
The San Francisco 49ers were just one play away from winning the Super Bowl in February, and this year, they finished in last place in the NFC West. Life comes at you fast in the NFL.
San Francisco's defense was awful all season, and injuries can be to blame. However, the defense lacked talent and needs a complete overhaul this offseason.
Next Week: N/A
23. Carolina Panthers (5-12)
Previous Ranking: 23
Bryce Young’s development in the second half of the season gives the Carolina Panthers a lot of hope moving forward. He went toe-to-toe with some of the top quarterbacks in the league, and his confidence grew by the week.
The Panthers have already announced that he’ll be the starter in 2025, which is a great thing for the franchise. The Panthers played some really good football down the stretch and should be encouraged overall about the direction of the team.
Next Week: N/A
24. Chicago Bears (5-12)
Previous Ranking: 24
The Chicago Bears got a last-minute win against the Packers in Week 18 to snap a 10-game losing streak. However, there will be changes this offseason as Ryan Poles looks for the right head coach to pair with Caleb Williams moving forward.
The Bears are in arguably the best division in football, and it’s going to be tough to make the playoffs in the NFC anytime soon. But they have the quarterback and the pieces around him to make a big jump in 2025.
Next Week: N/A
25. New York Jets (5-12)
Previous Ranking: 26
The 2024-2025 season for the New York Jets ends with a win and a really strong performance by Aaron Rodgers. But that might have been the highlight of their year.
Going into 2025, the Jets will have a new general manager, head coach, and quarterback. After going all-in on Rodgers and this roster over the last two seasons, it's going to be another rebuilding year for the Jets.
Next Week: N/A
26. New Orleans Saints (5-12)
Previous Ranking: 25
The New Orleans Saints put up a good fight against the Buccaneers in Week 18 and really made them earn their division title. However, injuries proved to be too much for the Saints to overcome this year.
They’ll have a new head coach in 2025, but with an older roster and little cap flexibility, how much can they improve this offseason? It’s going to be an important offseason for the Saints if they want to be competitive anytime soon.
Next Week: N/A
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)
Previous Ranking: 28
The Jacksonville Jaguars took the Colts to overtime in Week 18 and nearly pulled off the upset in Doug Pedersen’s final game with the team. Jacksonville will have a new coach in 2025, and his No. 1 goal will be to get Trevor Lawrence back to playing like a No. 1 pick.
If he can accomplish that, don’t be surprised if the Jaguars are challenging the Texans for the top spot in the AFC South.
Next Week: N/A
28. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)
Previous Ranking: 29
The Las Vegas Raiders took a major step backward under Antonio Pierce this year, and the offense was the biggest culprit. They fired Luke Getsy midseason and made multiple quarterback changes throughout the year.
The AFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the league, but the Raiders aren’t anywhere close to the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos. Things look pretty bleak in Las Vegas.
Next Week: N/A
29. Cleveland Browns (3-14)
Previous Ranking: 27
The 2024 season couldn’t been more disappointing for the Cleveland Browns after making the postseason last year. The offense cratered, and they played three different quarterbacks after losing Deshaun Watson to a torn Achilles.
Sitting at pick No. 2 in the upcoming draft, the Browns will need to seriously consider selecting a quarterback. But this roster needs an overhaul at several different spots outside of just the quarterback position.
Next Week: N/A
30. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
Previous Ranking: 30
The Tennessee Titans earned the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after another season in which their offense was dreadful. Will Levis didn’t improve in Year 2 and was benched for Mason Rudolph at one point.
Brian Callahan will be back next year, but until they figure out the quarterback position, it’s going to be hard for the Titans to be relevant in the AFC.
Next Week: N/A
31. New England Patriots (3-14)
Previous Ranking: 31
The New England Patriots didn’t end up with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they should have. They were in poll position going into Week 18, but Joe Milton III delivered them the win against Buffalo’s backups, and now they will pick at No. 4.
The Patriots will have their third head coach in three years, and this is an origination in disarray. Drake Maye provides some hope, but that’s just about it.
Next Week: N/A
32. New York Giants (3-14)
Previous Ranking: 32
The New York Giants had a disastrous season in 2024 but will bring back Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll. It’s a curious decision for a tandem that hasn’t been able to get the quarterback position right and for a team that wasn’t competitive at all this year.
The Giants were clearly one of the worst teams in the league this season, and it’s hard to imagine that they will change next year.
Next Week: N/A
